HOWTO: Can I delete my Skype account?

For some reason, Skype has made it basically impossible to actually remove an account from their database. Once it’s been created… it’s there forever. So if you type in the wrong Skype name or misspell the name (as I accidentally did for a relative)… well, that’s tough.

The only resolution is to strip the account of any personal information by using the “Edit my Profile” menu of the Skype client software installed on your computer (not via the web page – this won’t work), ABANDON the account, and create a new one with the right name.

Here’s what their support article says:

Can I delete my Skype account?

It’s not possible to delete a Skype account or change a Skype Name after it has been created. However, you can remove all the personal information contained in your profile. This will ensure that other people cannot search for you in Skype by using personal information such as your full name, email or phone number (although they will still be able to search for your Skype Name).